Ariallas' ravens were merciless towards anyone who slighted their queen. Merely obstructing her path was enough for the black mist to spread and subject their target to an unfortunate fate. While as kind as a goddess to her dear avians, she was as cruel as death to humankind. The dark birds' tenacity was also insurmountable; their pursuit ended only when they had their vengeance.

A raven is one of several larger-bodied members of the genus Corvus. There are many references to ravens in legends and literature, mostly in Greek, Celtic, Norse, Pacific Northwest, and Roman mythology. Most of these refer to the widespread common raven. Because of its black plumage, croaking call, and diet of carrion, the raven has long been considered a bird of ill omen and of interest to creators of myths and legends. One theory that suggests the raven (like the coyote) obtained mythic status because it was a mediator animal between life and death. As a carrion bird, ravens became associated with the dead and with lost souls.